Cowboy Chocolatier

On the rare days when I happen to glimpse my distant and long-ago life as a child, I remember my love of chocolate. I also remember cowboys — mostly through the medium of television. Growing up on the wrong side of the pond, (17)_____ . They seemed a pretty strong breed, likely to be found out in the wilderness somewhere with a horse, a gun and not much else. Much later I was fortunate enough to move to where some real cowboys live — Cody, Wyoming.

Tim Kellogg, the Meeteetse Chocolatier, was named as one of “Wyoming’s 40 under 40” for 2009, proving beyond a doubt that (18)_____ and turn his knowledge and passion into a successful business operation. He runs both a Meeteetse store and an online business.

Tim can be found in his store — dressed in true cowboy style — with his signature black hat. Inside, the chocolates are displayed to good effect with Tim’s motto “Fear No Chocolate” inscribed on a blackboard by the door. Tim is proud of all his chocolates, some of which, he explains, are the traditional flavours — Baileys, Champagne — (19)_____ , while others are unique local treats, specific to their community and to their creator’s cowboy heritage.

Tim fell into chocolate-making by accident in the 1990s “to keep chocolate in the family” after his grandmother died. Thus, (20)_____ , Tim decided that he would be the backer and chocolate-maker for family occasions, and began to make confections for his friends and family.

He is the sole chocolatier in his business (21)_____ a few miles outside of Meeteetse. This combination of roles can be seen unusual, but Tim is happy to note that although his friends do find it funny, (22)_____.